15 - 18 Months | Download to Print

Development
Fifteen Months
Feeds self with fingers or spoon
Stacks two blocks
Has 5-15 words
Communicates pleasures and displeasures
Scribbles with crayons
Shows functional understanding of objects
Uses jargon
Understands simple commands
Tests parental limits or rules
Eighteen Months
Runs stiffly
Walks up stairs with one hand held
Points to body parts
Names a few objects
Repeats words/sounds
Seats himself/herself in small chair
Scribbles with crayons
Pushes and pulls large objects
Takes off shoes and hats
Occasional temper tantrums
Wants to make decisions from himself/herself
Says “No” all of the time, even if he/she doesn’t mean it
May still need reassurance when you leave him/her, even though he/she “understands” that you will be back.
Learns by exploring

Behavior Management
Help your child make their own decisions by giving limited choices, i.e. “Do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt?”
Remove him/her form situations where the temptations are too great and “No” isn’t working.
Try to keep routine as predictable as possible to avoid meltdowns, keep naps and bedtime on schedule.
Avoid mealtime struggles by offering very small amounts at first and refilling as he/she wants more. Keep offering foods that he/she doesn’t like in very tiny amounts with encouragement to try. Do not force him/her to eat.

Diet
Your toddler will gradually use a spoon or fork, but may prefer his/her fingers. Table foods and finger foods are good at this age. Make sure he/she is sitting still to eat and avoid choking hazards – hot dogs, whole grapes, popcorn, raw carrots, hard candies. Hopefully he/she should be off the bottle and using a cup for liquids.
Let your Pediatrician know if you use well water or bottles that is not fluorinated

Hygiene
Clean the teeth with not-fluoride toothpaste and soft brush.
Delay toilet training.

Safety
Car seat should be used for every trip!
Move your child into a bed when he/she is tall enough to climb out of the crib
Use a guard rail on the bed, or get a low lying toddler bed
Supervise all water activities
Keep guns out of the house, locked up, and unloaded!
Keep poisonous cleaners, medicines, and vitamins out of reach

POISON CONTROL # 1-800-222-1222

Use caution when cooking- toddlers can reach the stovetop

Stimulation
Toddlers love music. Make songs part of your bedtime routine. Sing songs in the car.
Toddlers begin to enjoy playing with others in a parallel fashion. They are not ready to share or take turns.
The playground, sandbox, and baby pools are favorite places with adult supervision.
Limit television watching.
Encourage toys that involve manipulation of objects, but make sure objects are not choking hazards.
They love ordinary kitchen items, such as pots and pans, big spoons, spatulas, and Tupperware, etc.
They also like toys that imitate real household items, such as a play kitchen, dolls, doll stroller, balls, and cars.

Immunizations
Discuss vaccines with your doctor since the schedule allows for flexibility.
Tylenol may be used if fever occurs.